As a homeowner, maintaining the exterior appearance of your property may be high on your list of priorities. A well-kept appearance has a profound impact on the overall appeal of your residence.
The driveway and paving, being the first elements noticed, significantly contribute to this. Using paver sealing solutions in Perth is a great way to keep it looking its best for years, allowing your home to have a good impression on visitors.
If you’re new to paving maintenance, this blog will teach you what you need to know about how often to seal pavers and how often should you seal a paved driveway.
Factors that affect frequency of paving sealing
While most sealers can last up to five years, there are conditions that may require you to seal your paving more frequently. If you do it right, the sealer will protect your pavers for years to come and keep them looking their best, improving the aesthetic of your property. Look at some of the factors that affect the frequency of paver sealing:
Type of sealant
One of the main factors that will determine when to seal your pavers is the type of sealant you use on it. Sealants can be categorized as film-forming sealants and penetrative sealants.
Film-forming sealants create a water-resistant film with a satin and high gloss finish. On the other hand, penetrative sealants form a natural finish that looks untouched. Both are effective and can last long. Your choice between the two will depend on the setting of your pavers.
Film-forming sealants are more suitable for interior settings, such as garages and warehouses. Exposing them to harsh conditions, such as heavy rainfall and extreme sunlight, can cause them to peel off. If you use this sealant for outdoor pavers, it will require more frequent resealing.
Meanwhile, penetrative sealants can last more than five years in places with high foot traffic, making them suitable for pavers surrounding the exterior of your home. However, it’s still advisable to have regular resealing done to more effectively protect your pavers from UV light and damage.
Climate
Climate is another important factor that determines how often you should seal your paving. Fluctuating weather conditions, such as heavy rains, sunlight, and freezing conditions, can affect the integrity, appearance, and longevity of your paving.
Extreme sunlight can cause areas like your pool deck to weaken.
This can cause pre-aging of Even well sealed pavers. Additionally, rain and water can lead to erosion of the paving surface, causing it to be more susceptible to damage. It’s important to understand the climatic conditions in your region, as that will affect how frequently you’ll have to seal your paving.
Work with a paver sealing company that’s familiar with the local climate. These professionals can recommend the best paving material and sealant that can withstand the climate in your area. Moreover, with their experience, they’ll be able to advise you on how often to seal your pavers.
Type of paving material
The type of paving material is also another factor in the frequency of sealing. The common materials used are natural stone, interlocking pavers, and concrete.
Sealing natural stones such as granite and travertine depends on the porosity and how they react to moisture and stains. Travertine is increasingly becoming popular among homeowners because they’re 20%-30% cooler than other pavers because of its porous structure. However, this means that they require sealing more often than concreate. Generally, stone pavers should be sealed every one to two years for frequently used areas and three to five years for sheltered areas.
Interlocking pavers are made from concrete or clay and are often porous. Common issues associated with these pavers are weed growth and erosion of the joint sand. As such, interlocking pavers need more frequent sealing, especially when used in high-traffic areas. Typically, resealing for these pavers should be done between three and five years.
Lastly, concrete pavers are prone to surface cracks and staining. However, they do not absorb stains as much as other materials, so sealing is done to protect it from moisture intrusion and surface erosion. Typically, resealing is done after every five years. But areas exposed to heavy rainfall will require more frequent sealing.
Quality of installation and initial sealing
The quality of the initial installation and sealing is another factor to consider. Any mistakes made during installation, such as improper levelling and poor choice of material, can damage the paving and impact its durability. This will lead to more frequent sealing to protect the paving.
For example, uneven levelling can lead to water pooling, which can cause water intrusion, degrading the pavers and the sealants. Improper joining, especially for interlocking pavers, can cause them to shift over time. This will lead to spaces that allow weed growth and water penetration.
Other errors include a lack of proper cleaning when re-sealing. Before applying the sealer, you’ll want to clean your pavers, preferably with a pressure washer. This will remove any grime that may have built up on the surface so that the sealer will be able to penetrate deeply into your pavers and create a protective barrier against weathering and foot traffic. Once you’ve finished cleaning your pavers, it’s a great time to apply the paver sealer.
However, if the pavers are installed properly and well-sealed, they can maintain their quality and look for years. Therefore, there won’t be any need for resealing after a few years. If maintained properly, the pavers can go without resealing for more than five years.
Maintenance and regular cleaning
Cleaning and maintaining paving can reduce the buildup of dirt and grime that can degrade the sealant. If you’re wondering how you can avoid having to seal your pavers so often, the answer lies in proper maintenance.
Dirt and debris are abrasive under the foot and could destroy the sealant and the paving surface over time. You should ensure you clean your paving regularly to prevent the chemicals from penetrating the sealant. Not only will this preserve the visual appeal of the sealant, but it will also protect the structural integrity of the paver.
When cleaning the paver, avoid harsh chemicals. The choice of cleaning solution is as important as the cleaning itself. Acidic and highly alkaline materials can destroy the structural components of some pavers, such as asphalt and natural stone. The chemicals can also break down the sealants, causing them to wear out much quicker, hence requiring more frequent resealing.
Periodic inspections and regular, careful cleaning can help ensure that the sealant is not compromised.
Conclusion
Sealing your paving is an excellent way to ensure it maintains its structural shape and visual appeal. However, after years of usage and exposure to chemicals, UV rays, and rainfall, your pavers will eventually require resealing. The frequency of this will depend on several factors, such as the paver material, quality of installation, type of sealant, and climate.
Regular resealing not only safeguards your pavement from the wear and tear of weather and usage but also enhances the overall visual appeal of your home. By investing in this simple yet effective maintenance routine, you can prolong the life of your driveway and pathways while ensuring a welcoming facade for years to come.